Luka Doncic says ‘whole body looks better' after summer of change: ‘This is just the start'
Just look at the photos accompanying a new 'Men's Health' feature on the Lakers superstar.
He's slimmed down. He's toned.
'Just visually, I would say my whole body looks better,' Doncic said in the article published Monday.
His altered physique, however, is not what makes Doncic a changed man. His sleek new look is the result of much bigger changes in his lifestyle this offseason.
According to the article, Doncic has been home in Croatia where he gets in two 90-minute workouts a day. The sessions included deadlifts, dumbbell bench presses, lateral bounds, resistance band drills, sprints and hurdles. The workouts wrap up with Doncic on the basketball court shooting jump shots.
And Doncic's eating habits have changed too. His diet is now gluten-free, low-sugar and high-protein. He also uses an intermittent fasting plan the article says is 'designed to limit inflammation and help his body recover better.'
The Mavericks selected Doncic with the third overall pick in the 2018 draft. He was the NBA's rookie of the year that season. The 6-6 guard is a five-time All-Star selection and led the Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals.
But in early February, Doncic was shipped to the Lakers in a deal that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas. According to an ESPN report at the time, the Mavericks initiated the talks at least in part because of 'significant frustration within the organization about Doncic's lack of discipline regarding his diet and conditioning.'
Doncic acknowledged that narrative during his introductory news conference with the Lakers on Feb. 4 and said it would motivate him moving forward.
'It's a motive,' Doncic said. 'I know it's not true. I know. But it's a motive … it's a big motive for a long run here.'
Apparently, he meant it. The day after the Lakers were eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs, the Men's Health article states, Doncic texted his manager saying he was ready to begin his offseason workouts.
Doncic has worked with the same trio of fitness experts — a physiotherapist, a trainer and a nutritionist — since 2023, but this offseason has been different.
'I think that this summer, he sees the difference, and he's really happy,' Javier Barrio, Doncic's physiotherapist, told Men's Health.
Doncic indicated that his newfound dedication to wellness won't end once the season begins.
'This year, with my team, I think we did a huge step,' he said. 'But this is just the start, you know. I need to keep going. Can't stop.'
He added: 'If I stop now, it was all for nothing.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
30 minutes ago
- USA Today
Cowboys Headlines: WR waived; Jones' claim about Diggs rehab; 2 vie to replace Guyton
Wednesday's practice ended early, but not for a good reason. Read on to find out why head coach Brian Schottenheimer sent everyone to the showers early- but not before sending them a harsh message about discipline. We'll also recap which offensive linemen stepped up to get the first opportunity to replace the injured Tyler Guyton... and which lineman had to sit out due to an injury of his own. And which Cowboy packed up his gear and turned in his playbook? We'll reveal who had to go to make room for cornerback help. Elsewhere, we're preparing to play the long game in the Micah Parsons contract saga, but find out what very dollars-and-cents reason the club may actually have for dragging things out. And Stephen Jones makes a bold claim about Trevon Diggs and his private rehab efforts: are the Cowboys really in worse shape because the All-Pro didn't work out with the team? All that, plus Kaiir Elam's brilliant start in the star, Malik Hooker's resurgence after a down year, rookie Madden ratings, and how Matt Eberflus is hoping he can create a new Sean Lee. History says Cowboys will get Micah Parsons deal done — but when? :: The Athletic Link 'He's getting paid,' Jerry Jones said of his star edge rusher. 'He gets about $20-some million right now. And that's a pretty easy $20 million standing there watching practice." But the longer this goes on, the tougher it will be for Parsons to stay on the sideline and not talk to reporters. In some ways, he's like the Jerry Jones of players; he enjoys the media side of the job. What gets said- by both parties- in the meantime may prove to be the most interesting part of this standoff. Guaranteed Heartburn: The reason the Cowboys are in no rush to pay Parsons $200+ million :: Cowboys Wire Link Despite recent headlines claiming that Parsons and the Cowboys are further apart now than they were months ago in contract extension talks, there's a very basic reason why the Joneses prefer to wait. Interest. NFL owners don't get to earn interest on money once it's placed into the requisite escrow account for a player's guaranteed payout. If the Cowboys leave $98 million (to pick a believable number that was bandied about last summer) in their investment portfolio for 15 months, from June 2024 through September 2025, they make enough money to pay Parsons $108 million of guaranteed money in September 2025 and still have some profit. That's why there's no urgency. Updates: Top two who'll get chance to replace Guyton :: The Mothership Link Tyler Guyton won't be out as long as first thought, but there's still a hole at left tackle for the time being. Former fifth-round draft pick Asim Richards and former seventh-rounder Nate Thomas will get the first cracks at filling Guyton's shoes. Both have shown good things in reps with the second team so far in Oxnard. Savvy Cowboys fans focusing on development, changes to offensive line :: Cowboys Wire Link The Cowboys have three first-round draft picks on the starting front five, and they heavily revamped the unit's coaching staff in the offseason. Clearly, OL is a priority. And the success of the team will depend largely on how well that group can block in the run game and protect Dak Prescott in the passing attack. Early camp injuries and players who still need to elevate their play have made things interesting already, and it's not even August. Another offensive lineman out of Wednesday's practice :: Nick Harris Cowboys release veteran wide receiver to make room for new cornerback :: Link The Tuesday signing of cornerback Christian Matthew required someone to be released from the team to open up a roster spot. It was Kelvin Harmon who turned in his playbook. The wide receiver spent 2024 on the practice squad, after three years with Washington and stints in both the USFL and XFL. Practice Ejections: HC punishes Cowboys for fighting; 'We need discipline' after hands fly :: Cowboys Wire Link Brian Schottenheimer got serious about putting a stop to the scuffling at Wednesday's practice. Rookie offensive lineman Ajani Cornelius got ejected for throwing a punch, and then the whole team was forced to run lines after a third fight broke out in the day's session. Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones on Trevon Diggs' $500K salary reduction: 'We're paying a price, too' :: Link The front office seems intent on painting their All-Pro cornerback as a malcontent who belongs in the doghouse. Jones claimed in a radio interview that Diggs "might be further along had he done his rehab" with the team instead of on his own. That's debatable, but Diggs would certainly be richer; he lost $500,000 due to a de-escalator clause in his contract regarding workouts with the team. "We expect leadership and we expect them to be here," Jones continued. "Certainly we addressed that with Diggs." Former 1st-round pick proving to be brilliant trade acquisition for Cowboys :: Cowboys Wire Link When it first happened in March, the Kaiir Elam trade was mocked by Bills fans and left Cowboys fans underwhelmed. But the former first-rounder has been simply sensational in Oxnard, his flashy yet consistent play providing hope that a change of scenery may have been all he needed. He'll be leaned on early in the season, with several Cowboys cornerbacks still on the mend. Cowboys $21 million re-investment took a year but is paying off under new system :: Cowboys Wire Link A year in Mike Zimmer's defense didn't do Malik Hooker any favors. The veteran turned in a down season but appears to now be on the upswing again under Matt Eberflus. He's been a great safety net for the secondary as a single-high capable of playing centerfield. That's a rare combo in today's game that could help him make the most of a prove-it contract year. Why Cowboys DC Matt Eberflus hopes DeMarvion Overshown can be his next Sean Lee :: Dallas Morning News Link Lee remains one of Eberflus's favorite players ever. Overshown could be setting himself up to follow in "The General"'s footsteps as a smart and savvy player who can diagnose plays before they happen. Overshown has been working with the defensive call sheet during practices, going over with Eberflus what he saw after each snap. "This guy has coached some of the best of the best,' Overshown said. 'So when he comes to me and says, 'You've got what it takes to be just like one of those guys,' I don't take that lightly. I want him to push me every day so I can reach that full potential." Criticism 'added fuel to the fire' for emerging Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue :: Fort Worth Star-Telegram Link The fifth-round draft pick from Texas definitely heard the remarks from a former Cowboys assistant regarding his supposed "borderline lazy" habits. Blue has been working to bust that myth, saying the criticism helped "add a little fuel to my fire" and turning in a great camp thus far as a result. Cowboys coaches and teammates alike have commented on his versatility and speed, and he may be headed toward a key role in the RB platoon. Cowboys' Dak Prescott focused on family, health, Super Bowl :: ESPN Link Prescott is now the longest-tenured Cowboys player. The decade spent with the club has given him more perspective on his life away from the team. "Now when I get to get away from this building and get away from here, my mind gets to leave it, where in the past it didn't. I think that could be detrimental at times. [Now] it's no overthinking things, thinking too much about the things you want." Having his fiancée and two daughters greeting him as he steps off the practice field in Oxnard serves as a different kind of reminder of what he's playing for. Cowboys UDFA overcame deafness, cancer, now looks to make 53-man roster :: Cowboys Wire Link Every journey to the NFL comes with a challenge, but Tyler Neville has overcome more than his share. Born deaf and having beaten Stage 2 Hodgkin's Lymphoma before college, the Harvard grad is now battling for a spot behind Jake Ferguson and (likely) Luke Schoonmaker at tight end for the Cowboys. Cowboys rookies outrank other NFC East teams in Madden 26 ratings :: Cowboys Wire Link No Cowboys players made the coveted "99 Club," but this year's rookie class has scored well in the new version of the game. Of the seven highest-graded rookies in the division, three are wearing the star. Follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!
USA Today
30 minutes ago
- USA Today
The Kansas City Chiefs make a personnel decision regarding the punter position for 2025
The battle in training camp for the Kansas City Chiefs' starting punter appears to be over after the team parted ways with its undrafted rookie free agent. According to Wednesday's NFL transactions log, the Chiefs released punter Eddie Czaplicki, opening the path for Matt Araiza to win the job ahead of the 2025 season. During last week's training camp press conference, Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub mentioned that the decision could be made soon. "That'll come down – like (General Manager Brett) Veach might hit me up, like 'Hey, you know, where are we going,' because we're always – because right now we don't have any injuries, knock (on) wood, I mean we don't have anything serious, we don't have to bring anyone in from the outside," said Toub, "As soon as that happens, you got 90 guys you got to work with, and sometimes you got to make decisions. Sometimes that issue gets pressed a little bit, but right now, we don't have to rush on it." Czaplicki won the Ray Guy Award last season as the nation's best punter for the USC Trojans. He had a net average of 45.7 yards per punt and 24 punts inside the 20 with a long of 62. In addition to his Ray Guy Award, he was named first-team All-Big Ten Conference, the Big Ten Eddleman-Fields Punter of the Year, and first-team All-American. Araiza punted 62 times for 3027 yards during his 17 appearances in the 2024 regular season and managed to land 25 punts inside the 20-yard line.
New York Times
31 minutes ago
- New York Times
Why Barcelona are wearing Kobe Bryant-branded shirts
When Barcelona face FC Seoul in their second friendly of pre-season in the South Korean capital on Thursday, fans will notice the La Liga champions wearing a unique new kit. Barca's away strip for the coming season is a collaboration with Kobe Bryant's brand, which is part of the Nike empire. The late NBA icon's logo replaces the traditional Nike swoosh on the right side of the player's chest, while the shirt's gold and purple detailing is a nod to Bryant's playing days with the Los Angeles Lakers, whose uniforms feature those colours. But what is the link between Bryant and Barcelona? Let us explain. The shirt's colours are described as 'clear team gold with touches of Persian violet and black' by the club's official website. These take inspiration from the colours of the Lakers, although the Lakers' shade of gold is actually closer to yellow. The shorts are black with further 'Persian violet' details. The Nike swoosh has been replaced by the Kobe Sheath logo on the chest, and the shirt's fabric has a snakeskin texture in keeping with Bryant's Black Mamba nickname. Bryant played for the Lakers from 1996 to 2016. Bryant first signed with Nike in 2003, and the most recent, long-term agreement was reached between his estate and Nike in 2022. The sheath logo debuted the same year he signed with the company, on the fourth version of Nike's Air Huarache 2K5 shoes. It was designed by Nike's Eric Avar, who has worked on many of Bryant's series of footwear, and was said to have been inspired by samurai warriors and their swords. Advertisement U.S. college basketball teams such as the Kentucky Wildcats, Oregon Ducks and USC Trojans have worn Kobe-branded shoes and apparel. But this is the first time the former NBA star's brand has collaborated with a football team. It is most well-known for its performance basketball shoes, which are some of the most popular in the NBA. Barcelona signed a new contract extending their partnership with Nike in December, which club sources at the time said was worth a total of €1.7billion over the following 14 years. The previous deal had been due to expire in 2028. The official announcement of the collaboration with the Kobe brand said it is set to continue through to the 2027-28 season. Selected by the Lakers with the 13th pick in the 1996 NBA Draft, Bryant went on to become the Black Mamba, giving himself the nickname after watching Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill movies. A black mamba is a species of snake used as a code name for the films' protagonist, a deadly assassin played by Uma Thurman. In 2014, Bryant told American magazine The New Yorker, 'This (Black Mamba) is a perfect description of how I would want my game to be. 'If I create this alter ego, so now when I play, this is what's coming out of your mouth. It separates the personal stuff, right? You're not watching David (the main character's name in the 1970s TV show; it's Bruce in the comics and films) Banner — you're watching the Hulk.' Bryant's work ethic became known as 'Mamba Mentality', used by Nike in its marketing around his line of products. In one of many examples of this mentality, Bryant's former Lakers team-mate Caron Butler once told the Duncan Robinson YouTube channel of going through Bryant's 'blackout' workout — exercising so hard you see stars — the day after Bryant had signed a new seven-year, $136million contract with the Lakers in 2004. Advertisement He won three consecutive NBA titles (2000-02) with the Lakers and was one half of a formidable duo with Shaquille O'Neal. Bryant also won two more titles in 2009 and 2010 with Pau Gasol, who played for Barcelona's basketball team before going to the NBA. Additionally, Bryant won Olympic gold medals in 2008 and 2012. Bryant was a hugely popular player, but after a sexual assault allegation in 2003, he was dropped by many of his sponsors, though not by Nike. Prosecutors dropped the case a year later when the alleged victim told them she was unwilling to testify. He denied the allegations but later apologised — saying he understood that the woman did not view their sexual encounter as consensual, while he did — and settled a civil case out of court. Bryant also told The New Yorker in 2014 that he had created his Black Mamba alter ego to cope with the fallout from that case. He retired in 2016 at age 37 after 20 seasons with the Lakers, scoring a huge 60 points in his final game. Bryant was killed, aged 41, in a helicopter crash near Los Angeles in January 2020, along with one of his four daughters, 13-year-old Gianna, and seven other people. According to Barcelona sources, speaking anonymously as they did not have permission to comment publicly, the collaboration has special significance given Bryant's emotional connection to the club. Bryant lived in Italy between the ages of six and 14, as his father played professional basketball there, and developed a passion for soccer. He later adopted Milan and Barcelona as his two favourite teams in that sport. He spoke Italian and Spanish, having learned the languages during his years in Europe. Between 2006 and 2015, Bryant visited the Barca squad four times, both in Spain and during their pre-season tours in the United States. In 2017, he spoke to ESPN about the friendships he developed with Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi — and the moment the Brazilian introduced him to the latter during one of the club's summer trips. 'I think Messi must have been 18 at the time, 17 maybe,' he said. 'Ronaldinho called him over and said, 'Kobe, I want you to meet the player who is going to be the greatest player who ever lived'.' Bryant won his last two NBA titles alongside Barcelona native and close friend Gasol. The Spaniard wrote the foreword for Bryant's book The Mamba Mentality: How I Play. According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Bryant turned down an offer to extend his career by joining Barcelona's basketball team after leaving the NBA. Advertisement Barca beat the Lakers, featuring Bryant and Gasol, 92-88 in a pre-season game in 2010. Their team included a young Ricky Rubio, who had a 12-year NBA career with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns and Cleveland Cavaliers. Barca's footballers held a minute's silence at training following Bryant's passing, and their fellow Spanish sides Real Madrid and Atletico paid their respects with a silence before a derby fixture a few days after the fatal crash. Former Barcelona forward and NBA fan Neymar held up two fingers on one hand and four on the other in a tribute to Bryant — he wore the No 24 jersey for the Lakers — after scoring for Paris Saint-Germain in a match against Lille a few hours after news of his death emerged. Barcelona's basketball team play in the cross-continent EuroLeague, widely considered to be the sport's best league after the NBA. Pau Gasol and his younger brother Marc, a 2019 NBA champion with the Toronto Raptors, are two of the club's most famous youth products. Jabari Parker, the second pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, was a Barca player for the past two seasons before departing this summer. The United States' 'Dream Team', consisting of megastars such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Charles Barkley, famously won Olympic gold at the 1992 Games in Barcelona, helping popularise the sport and showcase its best players on a global stage. (Top photos: Gavi wearing the new shirt; Bryant on a visit to Barca's pre-season camp in 2015; by Getty Images)
